The Cybertruck's designer asserts that Tesla's stainless steel pickup isn't just a trial or experiment; rather, it's a bold departure from the norm.

The bold, striking design of the Cybertruck isn't just a shot in the dark, according to Tesla's Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen. He believes it's a catalyst for discussions, ensuring that people talk about the Tesla brand, whether they love or loathe its unconventional appearance.

During an event at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, von Holzhausen emphasized that despite initial pricing adjustments and range variations from the initial promises, the Cybertruck is capturing interest from individuals who've never considered owning a truck before. He highlighted the vehicle's potential as a high-volume model and its competitive performance compared to traditional counterparts, dispelling doubts about its market reception.

The Cybertruck's distinctive angular look, crafted from stainless steel due to the material's limitations in traditional pressing methods, draws inspiration from sources as diverse as the Lamborghini Countach and Lockheed's F-117 Stealth Fighter jet. Von Holzhausen noted the vehicle's surprising capabilities despite its unconventional appearance, drawing a parallel to the F-117 jet's deceptive functionality.

Tesla's design team also found inspiration in the iconic car-turned-submarine from the James Bond movie "The Spy Who Loved Me," a vehicle now owned by Elon Musk himself.

Despite some hiccups during its launch events, such as the infamous incident where von Holzhausen threw a metal ball at the truck's windows, resulting in unexpected breakage, he remains a staunch defender of the vehicle. He pointed out instances where the Cybertruck has demonstrated its practicality, sharing anecdotes about his children enjoying rides to school in it and humorous mix-ups where people mistake him for Elon Musk while driving the vehicle.

In essence, the Cybertruck's journey hasn't been without its challenges, but von Holzhausen remains steadfast in his belief that this unconventional design is far from an experiment—it's a pioneering move that's redefining perceptions in the automotive world.

The article is excerpted from REUTERS